Minister for Transport (Ireland)
The Minister for Transport is a senior minister in the Government of Ireland and leads the Department of Transport.
The Minister for Transport as of 2025 is Darragh O'Brien, TD. He is also Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment.
He is assisted by two Ministers of State:
- Seán Canney, TD – Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for international and road transport and logistics.
- Jerry Buttimer, TD – Minister of State at the Department of Transport with special responsibility for rural transport
Overview
The Minister and the department are responsible for implementing an integrated transport policy.Specific responsibilities which come under the aegis of the Minister for Transport in relation to national roads and to road transport in general include: delivering on the national roads programme as part of the national development plan; implementing the government's road safety strategy and related policies for the regulation of vehicle standards; road haulage licensing; driver licensing; and driver testing.
In respect of aviation policy, the department is responsible for ensuring that aviation practices and procedures comply with the best international standards; promoting the development of a vibrant, competitive and progressively regulated aviation sector and the provision of adequate airport infrastructure and competitive airport services.
In respect of maritime transport, the department is responsible for establishing, promoting, regulating and enforcing Maritime Safety and Security Standards, providing emergency response services and safeguarding the maritime environment. It is also responsible for ports and shipping policy.
List of office-holders
The Department of Transport and Power was created by the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act 1959. On 2 January 1984, the Department of Transport was abolished under the Ministers and Secretaries Act 1983 and its functions transferred to the Department of Communications.Minister for Transport and Power 1959–1977
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Minister for Tourism and Transport 1977–1980
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Minister for Transport 1980–1984
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Minister for the Public Service 1973–1987
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Minister for Tourism and Transport 1987–1991
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Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications 1991–1993
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Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications 1993–1997
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Minister for Public Enterprise 1997–2002
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Minister for Transport 2002–2011
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Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport 2011–2020
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Minister for Transport 2020–present
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